Method and system for guiding a person in physical exercise

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method and system for guiding a person to a physiological cumulative state in physical exercise, in which the exercise has a physiological target in the form of a physiological state at the end of the exercise, a duration, and a performance parameter. In the method at the start of the exercise the physiological target is set, as is the value of the performance parameter, and during the exercise at regular intervals: at least one quantity proportional to the momentary intensity is measured, and the present physiological state and an estimate of the physiological state and the end of the exercise are calculated with the aid of the momentary intensity and the exercise performed, and a guidance range for the momentary intensity is defined, in order to reach the target state and the performance parameter. The user is guided by means of feedback to remain within the said guidance intensity range. At the start of the exercise the intensity guidance range is expanded according to a pre-selected function, in order to reduce the variation in the guidance.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is the improvement of physical fitness insport and exercise and the improvement of the state of health. Theinvention is intended to guide a sportsperson or an exercise enthusiastto a physiological target state defined prior to exercise, in a desiredtime, over a desired distance, or over a desired route. The inventioncan relate to applications relating to improving in fitness, health, andrelating to weight management. More specifically, the invention relatesto what is stated in the preamble to Claim 1. The invention also relatesto a corresponding system.

In physical exercise, there is usually not only a physiological targetstate, but also a performance parameter, which is either the duration ordistance of the exercise. Thus the exerciser makes, for example, aworkout of 60 minutes, when the duration of the exercise has been fixed.Another usual form of physical exercise is a loop over a set distance.The exerciser will often have a familiar route, over which they run. Inthat case, the distance is fixed. However, the most important parameteris the physical training effect, which is determined on the basis of thecumulative physiological target state. The physiological state iscalculated with the aid of a suitable physiological quantity.

2. Description of the Related Art

Previous attempts have been made to guide exercise by means of methodsthat are difficult for the user. Previously, methods have been based,for instance, on rigid intensity limits (heart-rate range), to which theexercise is guided. Thus, the heart-rate range is not altered to takeinto account deviations occurring during exercise (e.g., being above orbelow the heart-rate range for long periods of time). In addition,diverse, improvement-oriented training requires more complex decisioncriteria, which are affected by, for instance, the desired duration oftraining and the training intensity/training induced stress.

Particularly when guiding exercise towards a specific target value of acumulative quantity, more comprehensive operation is demanded from theguidance system. A more comprehensive guide system is required, because,when predicting the value of a variable farther into the future, even asmall change in intensity at the present moment, or in the slope of acumulative variable will lead to a great change after 30 minutes, forexample. This means that the intensity range, to which the target isguided, becomes very narrow. It is very difficult to train on the basisof the feedback based on such a narrow intensity range. By itself, thetolerance of the intensity range (for example, averaging in a selectedtime window) will not help to solve this problem.

Patent publication FI 115288 discloses a method, in which the heart rateis kept below a specific threshold during post-exercise cool down. Themethod is based, however, on defining only a specific heart-rate leveland on guiding cooling down on the basis of this heart-rate level, andthus does not, in this aspect, differ essentially from other exerciseguidance methods based on heart rate level. The patent in questiondescribes a specific blood lactate level (physiological target state),after which the cooling down can be stopped. The system described lacksdynamic guidance relative to a predefined target time or targetdistance.

Patent application US2005/0026750 discloses a control system for atreadmill. The system is based on predefined speeds. The user isinformed if they exceed or do not reach heart-rate limits. Final cooldown can be stopped once the heart rate has dropped to the desiredpercentage of the maximum level. The application disclosed is based onrigid heart-rate limits, which does not take into account exercise thatmay differ from the guidance at the start of the exercise.

Patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,774 discloses a method, in whichthe resistance of an exercise device is controlled on the basis of acollected heart-rate signal and, for example, on cadence. The controlis, however, based only on heart-rate limits, and deviations from thetarget intensity are not permitted.

Patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,044 discloses a device, utilizingheart rate, measuring energy consumption with the aid of a calculationalgorithm, in which a target for the exercise can be set, and a methodfor monitoring the achievement of the exercise target. The target setfor the person can be either the amount of energy consumed, or areduction in weight. In the invention, in addition to the heart rateduring the exercise, both the momentary and cumulative energyconsumption and, the accumulated energy consumption during severalexercises, the number of calories, which must still be consumed for thetarget to be achieved, are displayed, as well as the time required toachieve the target at the present intensity. Even though physiologicaltargets (amount of energy consumed, or weight reduction) can be set inthe invention, it differs from the system depicted in the presentapplication, because publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,044 does notdescribe any sort of guidance method that guides the user to the target.In the invention, it is not even possible to set a target time or othercorresponding criterion for the performance, on the basis of which itwould be possible to guide the performance. In addition, basing theguidance of the exercise on the time taken to achieve the predictedtarget on the basis of the present intensity leads to a situation inwhich a small change in the present intensity will cause, whenpredicting farther into the future, a change in the cumulativephysiological variable (or in any other variable whatever, for instance,in the distance), so that in practice it will be very difficult, if notimpossible to guide the exercise towards the target on the basis of thisfeedback.

Firstbeat Technologies Oy's patent application US2006/0032315 (Saalastiet el.) ‘METHOD FOR MONITORING ACCUMULATED BODY FATIGUE FOR DETERMININGRECOVERY DURING EXERCISE OR ACTIVITY’ discloses a method for calculatinga stress index. The index can also be EPOC (Excess post-exercise oxygenconsumption). The patent application does not, however, disclose amethod for guiding a person to a physiological target.

Firstbeat Technologies Oy's patent application US2006/004266 ‘SYSTEM FORMONITORING AND PREDICTING PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE UNDER PHYSICAL EXERCISE’discloses a system, whish predicts the time for achieving a target.

Patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,295 discloses a method, whichseeks to provide feedback to someone performing exercise, which willassist the user in reaching a target that one has set, or in motivatinghim/her to continue exercise after having already reached a target.

If the user decides to carry out exercise with a specific temporalduration, this will also set a suitable (virtual) distance target forthe exercise. The exercise terminates when the predefined temporalduration terminates. This combination of time and distance is such thatthe user can use it to estimate a suitable exercise heart rate. Duringthe exercise, the speed required to achieve the distance target and thepredicted result of the exercise (prediction of the distance traveledonce the target time has ended) are displayed to the user. The usertakes his/her pulse themselves and presses a button on the computer onevery third heart beat. The computer can calculate the user's heart ratefrom this and displays it to the user. If the heart rate is not in thedesired range, the user can select a more suitable time-distance pair inthe next exercise session. During exercise, the user can compare, byhimself/herself, his/her present speed with the target speed and thedistance target from the predicted result (prediction of the distancetraveled when the target time ends). In addition, according to theinvention, the user can be shown whether the predicted result of theexercise is equal to, greater than, or less than the target distance. Onthe basis of these data, the user can aim at either the precise target,or even at exceeding it. Once the distance target has been reached, theuser can use the predicted result to motivate oneself for the remainingtime.

If the user decides to perform a workout, for which there is a (virtual)target distance, this will also set a suitable time target for theworkout. The workout will end once the predefined distance has beentraveled. The user estimates that by using this combination of distanceand time he/she will achieve a suitable exercise heart rate. During theexercise, the user is shown the speed required to reach the time targetand the predicted result of the workout (prediction of the final timeonce the target distance has been traveled). The user takes his/her ownpulse and presses a button on the computer on every third heart beat.The computer can calculate the user's heart rate from this and displayit to the user. In the next workout, the user can select a more suitabletime-distance pair, if the heart rate is not in the desired range.During the workout, the user himself/herself can compare his/her presentspeed with the target speed and the time target from the predictedresult (prediction to the final time once the target distance has beencompleted). In addition, according to the publication, the user can beshown whether the predicted result of the workout is equal to, greaterthan, or less than the target time. On the basis of these data, the usercan aim at either the precise target time, or at less than it. If thetarget time is exceeded, the user can nevertheless aim at the bestpossible result, using the predicted final time as motivation.

Patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,295 does not, however, disclosethe use of a cumulative physiological target state, nor is it even easyfor the user to evaluate the physiological effect of the workout. Thesame time-distance pair can be performed using different intensityprofiles, which achieve quite different physiological effects. Accordingto the publication, impossible speeds are not recommended to the user,but the publication fails to depict any principle on the basis of whichimpossible target speeds can be excluded.

The whole time, the user must watch the numerical feedback given. Inparticular, aiming at a specific physiological state (heart-rate range)is left to be the responsibility of the user. Thus, the method disclosedin patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,295 does not solve the problemof how to provide the user with sensible feedback during exercise, whichfeedback would guide the user to a physiological target state within theframework of a target time or target distance/route. User-friendlyguidance, such as would be suitable for exercise combining atarget-distance/target time pair, is also not depicted. The principle ofexpansion (broadening) of the guidance range, which is a propertyessential for user-friendliness, is also entirely missing from thepublication. In addition, patent publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,295entirely lacks visual and auditive feedback, displayed and repeated tothe user at a suitable frequency, even though it is essential for userfriendliness.

Firstbeat Technologies Oy's patent application US2006/004265 ‘SYSTEM FORMONITORING AND PREDICTING PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE UNDER PHYSICAL EXERCISE’discloses a system for monitoring a physiological state during exerciseand predicting the physiological state at the end of a workout. Thesystem disclosed in the application predicts the time taken to achievethe target, but does not guide the user to the target and gives the userno instructions as to how to act at a specific moment in a workout. Thepublication presents a cumulative quantity, which is suitable whenmonitoring the cumulative stress of physical exercise. For example,energy consumption by itself is a poorer indicator, because energy isconsumed even without physical stress, and energy consumption is notdirectly connected to homeostatic changes taking place in the body.

SUMMARY

The present invention is intended to create a method and system, whichguides a person dynamically to a predefined physiological target stateusing a selected performance parameter, which is the predefined durationor distance of the exercise, or the selected route. The characteristicfeatures of the method according to the invention are stated in theaccompanying Claims. The method according to the invention operatesdynamically by guiding the exercise towards the target even if the setcriteria have not been followed earlier in the course of the exercise.The method works in all conditions, both in steady-pace and ininterval-type exercise, independently of the duration of the exercise.

In one embodiment, the lower limit of the expanded guidance range of theintensity is defined in such a way that, at the defined performanceability of the person, the workout can, at each moment, still becompleted, in such a way that the physiological or distance target willbe reached in the target time.

In one embodiment, the cumulative target state is calculated using somephysiologically cumulative quantity, which is proportional to the changein general homeostatic state achieved by exercising, together with itschange, for example, using the EPOC value.

The values of the target state and/or of the performance parameter arepreferably defined together with their tolerances. This gives theexercise some degree of freedom, at both the beginning and end of theworkout. The physiological justification for this is that the intendedphysiological effect will be achieved, even though these values deviateto some extent from the intended values. Thus, instead of intended30-minute duration, the real duration of the exercise can be 25-35minutes. Alternatively, the real training effect can vary within smalllimits, which will make the guiding of the exercise more comfortable forthe user.

Dynamic exercise guidance is formed of the variables used, i.e. thetarget, the target time, possibly the target distance and/or route, aswell as their guidance criteria. In this case, the term guidancecriteria refers to the time elapsed and the physiological state of theperson, or, for example, the external power, on the basis of which theperson is guided towards the set target. In addition, the systemincludes methods for creating real-time information for the user, forexpanding the targets, and for the actual guidance of the exercise. Thecontrolled expansion of the targets permits the measured physiologicalvariables to deviate from the guidance criteria, for example, interrain, when the intensity or speed may vary considerably, in whichcase the smart system can permit short (or long) deviations from theguidance criteria, while the physiological target state is neverthelessachieved within the set target time.

The variation of the guidance criteria and the expansion of the targetpermits different types of exercise, as using only one criterium doesnot cover well different types of alternative exercise. For example, theuse of only the heart-rate range will in principle guide steady-paceexercise, but not interval type. The guidance of the system described inthe present invention is sufficiently sensitive to react rapidly to thecriteria being significantly exceeded or not being reached.

The embodiments and devices of the invention include heart rate monitorsor other devices measuring heart rate, personal digital assistance (PDA)devices, mobile telephones, mobile terminals, and other similar devices,which can be carried during exercise. The invention can be exploited notonly to improve physical fitness, but also, for example, in stressmanagement. Naturally, the functionalities can also be examined in aso-called offline state.

The system for the dynamic guidance of exercise described in theinvention eliminates the drawbacks arising in previous inventions, i.e.it operates in all kinds of exercise, both steady pace andinterval-types, irrespective of the duration of the exercise. Theguidance system is sufficiently sensitive to react rapidly to speed thatis too high or too low. Because the different ways of performingexercise are not, however, significant within certain limits in terms ofachieving a physiological target state, the system permits exercise tobe performed more freely without the system continually interfering withit. Conventional guidance systems based on heart-rate level, or othersimilar parameters do not permit this.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the operation of the intensity limits and the time limits.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show possible embodiments of the invention for guidingexercise on the basis of a time-target performance parameter and anartificially expanded intensity range.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show the justification for the artificial expansion ofthe intensity range at the start of exercise.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram for guiding exercise to a physiologicaltarget state within a target time.

FIG. 6 shows one detailed embodiment for guiding exercise to aphysiological target state within a target time.

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c, as well as 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c show two differentexercises guided to a physiological target state and examples of thevisual and auditive feedback given to the user.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a mobile user interface of a dynamicguidance system.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus, by means of which thedisclosed invention can be implemented.

FIG. 11 shows a general flow diagram for guiding distance/route-basedexercise to a physiologic al target.

FIG. 12 shows how the system according to one embodiment allocates theachievement of a physiological target and distance target intelligentlyduring exercise, on the basis of altitude data.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of one detailed embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, as well as 15 a and 15 b show some practicalexamples of a route-based system.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b shows an example of lower-limit functions ofintensity guidance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The variables used in the invention can be grouped as follows:

-   -   1. Actual target (e.g., time, training effect ‘TE’, distance,        cumulative energy consumption, amount of work (J), oxygen        consumption (I), EPOC amount, heart-rate sum, training impulse        (TRIMP), blood lactic acid concentration),    -   2. Guidance criteria for achieving the target, i.e. performance        criterion, (e.g., speed, power output of work (W), EPOC change,        accumulated EPOC, energy consumption (kcal/min), energy consumed        (kcal), oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min), total oxygen consumption        (I), heart-rate level, TRIMP already accumulated, number of        steps, work output as a function of speed and inclination of        surface, change in blood lactic acid concentration, etc.).

Different guidance criteria can also be used for the same target (e.g.,conversion of energy consumption to (J), change or accumulation of EPOCto (I), so that the target can be stabilized, for example, and theguidance criteria converted. Naturally, the variables can be adapted tofunction the other way round as well.

The guidance criterion can also be dynamic, in which case differentcriteria are used at different stages of the exercise, which may occur,for example, in interval training. The target can be formed of severalcriteria, for example, a time-distance pair, in which case the naturalguidance criterion would be, for example, speed. Some targets are boundto specific target criteria (and vice versa).

In one embodiment of the invention, there can be more than two targets.

FIG. 1 shows the mutual operation of the intensity limits and timelimits characteristic of the invention.

Examples of the predefined expert time limits for different distances ofthe target time, referred to in the diagram, ate shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(Example 1). As the figures show, the target can be reached within acertain time window, and thus it is unnecessary to achieve precisely thetarget temporally. The lower limits ‘Keep this pace’ contain anempirically obtained small expansion, thus suiting people of all fitnesslevels. However, this is not sufficient for flexible guidance, insteadthe shaded zone ‘Intensity OK’ shows schematically the ‘Max-30%’intensity expansion area described later, which will allow the person tostill achieve the target, even though the intensity drops quite low,i.e. the time target escapes momentarily quite far. More reliableguidance will be achieved by means of the additional criteria accordingto FIGS. 16 a and 16 b, which are described later.

The aforementioned dynamic ‘Intensity OK’ zone is calculated as follows:

-   -   Parameters:        -   Target=some cumulative quantity (referred to later in            greater detail)        -   Target time=the time in which it is wished to reach the            target        -   t_OK−=the earliest moment in time, when it is permitted to            reach the target        -   t_OK+=the latest moment in time, when it is permitted to            reach the target        -   minimum width of intensity=minimum intensity range permitted            for the variation of the intensity    -   1. Calculate the intensity, at which the set target is reached        at the t_OK− moment=OK− intensity.    -   2. Calculate the intensity, at which the set target is reached        at the t_OK+ moment=OK+        -   a. The prediction in sections 1-2 is based both on the time            already elapsed and on the target already accumulated, i.e.            how long a time there is to t_OK− or t_OK+, and on how much            the target should still accumulate in this time.    -   3. If the difference between the OK− intensity and the OK+        intensity is less than the set minimum width of intensity, this        intensity range is expanded, in such a way that the intensity OK        range is calculated as OK− intensity minus minimum width of        intensity.    -   4. The intensity OK range becomes dynamic by always being        examined at the desired moments in time and being dependent on        how close the target have been approached.    -   5. A dynamic intensity range, which is however artificially        expanded in the beginning of exercise, is required since        otherwise the intensity range would be vanishingly narrow,        particularly in a long workout.    -   6. The adjustment of the dynamic intensity range thus acts to        artificially expand the range at both the start of the workout        and also to dynamically update it during the workout, depending        on whether the target state is approached more quickly or slowly        than optimally. A pre-selected function reduces the artificial        expansion to zero towards the end of the workout.    -   The need for a dynamic intensity range is justified in FIGS. 4 a        and 4 b. A small change in intensity at the start of a workout        will cause a large change in the time in which it is estimated        that the physiological target will be reached (‘deviation’ FIG.        4 a). Even though a small deviation would be to be permitted in        the target time, the changes in intensity nevertheless generally        predict that the target will not be reached within the scope of        the deviation. When any workout progresses and the target time        simultaneously approaches, a change of the same magnitude in        intensity will no longer cause as great a difference in the        predicted time for reaching the target. Before long, a situation        will be reached in the latter half of the workout, in which the        user can even vary the intensity very greatly, without the        system attempting to correct the intensity. However, before        reaching such a stage the intensity range must be expanded, to        save the user from having to correct the intensity uncomfortably        often (FIG. 4B). Expanding the permitted intensity range at the        start of a workout thus permits the user to perform the workout        and slightly vary the intensity, without the system continually        commanding the user to correct the intensity.    -   The limits shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 and all the other limits        relating to the dynamic guiding of exercise can also be        implemented in other ways than those described in this        application, within the scope of the same inventive idea.        Mathematical models, neural-network models, fuzzy-logic means,        averaging, or some other parameters controlling the provision of        feedback can be utilized when setting the limits. FIGS. 16 a and        16 b, which are described in greater detail later, show the        boundary functions of the lower limit of the guidance area of        the intensity, in certain cases.

FIG. 5 shows the basic principles for guiding exercise to a targetstate, including the following stages:

-   -   1. The user sets the physiological target state aimed at in the        exercise, as well as the target time for reaching the set        physiological target state.    -   2. The user starts the workout. During the workout, the time        elapsed and the criterion variables (intensity of exercise)        affecting the approaching of the physiological target state are        measured, and with their aid the time, which will elapse at the        prevailing intensity for reaching the set physiological target        state, is determined.    -   3. Depending on the achievement of the physiological target        state during the workout, the intensity range, by means of which        the physiological target state can be reached in an acceptable        time deviation relative to the target time, is adjusted during        the workout. If the physiological target time is reached too        rapidly or slowly at the start of the workout, the intensity        requirement for the rest of the workout will increase or        decrease correspondingly. The accepted intensity window can be        from the greatest accepted intensity—that is dynamically        adjusted—for example, by 30%-units downwards.    -   4. The estimate of the time taken to reach the target is        compared with the predefined limits as to how much time it can        take to reach the target at a specific moment in the workout.        The limits are defined taking into account both physiological        principles and those relating to user-friendliness. For example,        the real duration of the workout can be either slightly longer        or shorter than the target time, without the system being        immediately to guide the performance differently. The progress        of the workout can also be relatively free, as long as it        proceeds towards the predefined target. Thus, it is determined        when the intensity is suitable, too low, or too high.        -   a. If the target state will be reached too late and the            intensity deviates from the acceptable intensity range, the            intensity must be increased.        -   b. If the physiological target state will be reached too            late, but the intensity is within the acceptable intensity            range, the intensity is suitable.        -   c. If the target state will be reached within the acceptable            time limits, the intensity is suitable.        -   d. If the target will be reached too early, the intensity            must be reduced.    -   5. The user is given feedback at a given moment whether to keep        the intensity the same, reduce the intensity, or increase the        intensity. The feedback can be, for example, either visible or        audible, or it can be implemented in other ways, for example,        using various vibration alarms.    -   In one embodiment of the invention, EPOC (Excess post-exercise        oxygen consumption)(e.g., Brooks, G. A. & Fahey, T. D., 1984,        Exercise Physiology. Human bioenergetics and its applications.        New York: Macmillan Publishing Company), or an training-effect        value derived from it, can be used as the physiological target        state. Nevertheless, it is obvious that the target can also be,        for example, cumulative total energy consumption or net energy        consumption, the amount of external work carried out, oxygen        consumption, heart rate sum, mean heart rate, duration of        exercise and mean intensity, Training Impulse (e.g.,        Banister, E. W., 1991, Modeling Elite Athletic Performance. In:        MacDougall, J. D; Wenger, H. A.; & Green, H. J. (eds.),        Physiological Testing of the High-Performance Athlete, 2^(nd).        ed., Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics), or some physiological        measure, which depicts exercise.

In one embodiment of the invention, the guidance criteria used are theelapsed time and the already accumulated EPOC or training effect leveland the change in EPOC or training effect, as well as the predictedintensity (oxygen consumption relative to the person's maximum oxygenuptake), compared to the target. However, it is obvious that theguidance criteria used can also be momentary energy consumption, amountof energy consumed, momentary oxygen consumption, momentary oxygenconsumption, accumulated oxygen consumption, distance, power of externalwork, or some other physiological measure, which depicts the exercise.

The target can be formed of several criteria, for example, atime-distance pair, in which case a natural guidance criterion would bespeed. Other possible target pairs are, for example, time-energyconsumption and energy consumption-training effect. For example, in theenergy consumption-training effect pair, the guidance criterion is therate of energy consumption (e.g., kcal/min), which produces a targettime to which a specific training effect is applied. For example, thetarget can be a 900-kcal workout, in which a training effect of 3.0 isalso achieved. This 3.0 training effect signifies an EPOC value of 62ml/kg in the activity class 7. Intensity is thus attempted to beadjusted at each moment to be such that an energy amount of 900 kcal anda 62-ml/kg EPOC are reached at approximately the same time. At the startof workout, the rate of energy consumption could be, for example, 10kcal/min, in which case the duration of the workout would be 90 minutes,so that the EPOC should accumulate at a rate of approximately 0.69ml/kg/min. If the EPOC accumulation rate is so high that the trainingeffect that is the target appears to be going to be reached well beforethe 900-kcal energy consumption is completed (‘time to target’ is tooshort), the user is advised to lower the intensity. If the ‘time totarget’ is too long, but still within the expanded intensity range, thecommand will be to keep the intensity the same. In other cases, thecommand will be to increase the intensity. Of course, the intensity willbe also ordered to be increased, if the EPOC drops faster than apredefined criterion (e.g., 1 ml/kg/min), or if one has drawn away fromthe predefined criterion (e.g., 1 ml/kg) earlier from the alreadyachieved EPOC value farther than a predetermined criterion. The systemthus returns through the calculation of the ‘time to target’ variable tothe dynamic guidance described above with many examples.

In one embodiment of the invention, the intention is to removeimpossible target pairs. Impossible target pairs can be removed, forexample, when making the initial settings, or even when the exercisetargets are altered after the workout has already been started.

One possible embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b,contains the following stages for guiding exercise to a physiologicaltarget state:

-   -   1. The user sets the physiological target state, at which the        exercise is aimed, and a target time for reaching the set        physiological target state.    -   2. The user starts the workout. During the workout, the time        elapsed and the criterion variables (exercise intensity)        affecting the reaching of the physiological target state are        measured, with the aid of which the time required to reach the        set physiological target state can be determined.    -   3. Depending on reaching the physiological target state in the        course of the workout, the greatest accepted intensity, by means        of which the physiological target state will still be achieved        within the acceptable limit before the set target time, is        predicted and dynamically adjusted in the course of the workout.        If the physiological target state is reached at the start of the        workout more rapidly or slowly, the intensity requirement for        the remainder of the workout correspondingly decreases or        increases. The accepted intensity window is, for example,        30%-units down from the greatest accepted dynamically changing        intensity (e.g., % VO2max).    -   4. The estimated time taken to reach the target is compared with        the predefined limits, which determine how long a time it is        accepted to elapse before reaching the target at a given moment        of the workout. The limits are defined taking into account        principles relating to both physiology and user-friendliness.        For example, the predicted duration of the workout can be either        slightly shorter or longer than the target time, without the        system beginning immediately to guide the exercise differently.        The progress of the workout can also be relatively free, as long        as it progresses towards the predefined target. Thus it is        defined when the intensity is suitable, too low, or too high        (FIG. 6 b, Section 4).        -   a. If the target will be reached too late and the intensity            is too low, the intensity must be increased.        -   b. If the target will be reached too late and one is drawing            away from the physiological target state faster than a            predefined criterion, the intensity must be increased.        -   c. If the physiological target state will be reached too            late and one has already drawn away from an already reached            physiological state farther than the predefined criterion,            the intensity must be increased.        -   d. If the physiological target state will be reached too            late and the intensity deviates from the accepted intensity            range, the intensity must be increased.        -   e. If the target will be reached within the accepted time            limits, the intensity is suitable.        -   f. If the physiological target state will be reached too            late, but the intensity is in the accepted intensity range,            and one is not drawing away too quickly or far from the            physiological target state, the intensity is suitable.        -   g. If the target will be reached too early, the intensity            must be reduced.    -   5. At a specific moment, the user is provided with feedback to        keep the intensity the same, to reduce the intensity, or to        increase the intensity. The feedback can be, for example, either        visual or auditive, or it can be implemented by other means, for        example, using various vibration alarms.

Different kinds of guidance criteria can also be used for the sametarget (e.g., the rate of change of energy consumption as the guidancecriterion for training effect, the rate of change of EPOC and/or theaccumulation for the training effect), in which case the target can, forexample, be stabilized and the guidance criterion altered. Naturally,the variables can also be altered to act in the opposite direction. Theguidance criterion can also be dynamic, in which case different criteriawill be used at different stages of the workout, which may be possible,for example, in interval training. Some targets are bound to specifictarget criteria (and vice versa).

Example 2 (FIGS. 7 a-7 c) shows a workout, in which the target is toreach a specific physiological state during a period of 90 minutes,which physiological target state is, in this example, exercisedeveloping a training effect of 3.5, on a scale 1.0-5.0. Feedback isnaturally given to the user in real time during the workout. The systempermits a deviation in the duration of the workout of about fifteenminutes from the target time, both longer and shorter, to increase userfriendliness. Even though the intensity (FIG. 7 c) varies duringworkout, the ‘time to target’ (FIG. 7 c) nevertheless remains all thetime within the range from which the system gives the ‘suitable speed’feedback (FIG. 7 a), and the target of the workout is finally reachedafter 95 minutes (FIG. 7 b).

Example 3 (FIGS. 8 a-8 c) shows workout, in which the user of the devicehas defined the target time of the workout as 44 minutes and thetraining-effect target as a training effect that maintains a value of2.5. At the start, the user moves with slightly too high an intensity(FIG. 8 c) relative to the feedback (FIG. 8 s), thus reaching the target(FIG. 8 b) too soon, in which case the system commands the user todecrease the intensity. As the user reduces the intensity to a suitablelevel on the basis of the feedback, the target will now be reached inthe target time. If, despite everything, the user moves after this attoo low intensity, the system gives a command to increase the intensity.Having followed the instructions given by the intensity guidance in thefinal part of the workout, the user reaches the set target in more orless the target time (FIG. 8 b).

In Example 3, the permitted intensity range changes dynamically as theworkout proceeds, depending on the progress of the workout. As the usermoved at slightly too high an intensity at the start of the workout, theintensity requirement dropped, and correspondingly when the user movedat too low an intensity the intensity requirement increased.

It can be seen from the example graphs that, as the target timeapproaches, it is no longer possible to obtain feedback for a moreextreme increase in intensity. This is not a drawback, because from aphysiological point of view it is not so important to reach the targetin exactly the set time. In practice, this means that at the end theuser can exercise as hard as possible, but will not be given maximumslowing feedback. However, in this case the user receives lesscompelling feedback to reduce speed.

Once the set target time has been reached, the user can be given an‘exercise-time exceeded’ message. After this, arrow feedback is stillprovided according to the zones in FIGS. 7 and 8. From now on, accordingto the graphs, s feedback to slightly increase intensity will becomeimpossible to achieve and if the max limit is exceeded, after this therewill be no alternative except to give maximum feedback to increaseintensity.

Once the set physiological target is reached, the user can be informedthat ‘target reached’ and the display of intensity guidance can beterminated.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a mobile user interface. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the display of a mobile terminal is used to showinformation on the already achieved training effect, the exercisetarget, and the heart rate, as well as to give visual feedback (arrowand text ‘go faster’), which can be reinforced with auditive feedback,or using, for example, various vibration alarms. Though the interface itis also possible to browse energy consumption, the time estimated toelapse before reaching the next training-effect level (time to nextlevel), as well as the time estimated to elapse before reaching thetarget (time to target). In one embodiment, at least two forms offeedback are used, of which one, generally visual, is detached from theexpansion, i.e. displays the guidance without expansion (not shown).

FIG. 10 shows, in addition, one embodiment of the apparatus required bythe invention, containing the necessary means for recording values,means for giving feedback, means for positioning the person andrecording and processing route data, and program means, includingmeasuring sensors 12, 30, a keypad 18 and unit 31 for enteringinformation, a central unit 32, a memory 33, an output unit 34, adisplay 15, and possibly a voice synthesizer and loudspeakers 35.Typically the device involved is a PC; a PDA device, or a wristopcomputer. Other sensors (such as a GPS positioning unit and/orbarometer) will be required, especially in connection with thedistance/route application described later.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control logic can be used toproduce visual intensity guidance, with the aid of a yellow-green-redarrow, through simple text feedback, and as voice feedback. Forguidance, the basic variables should be set, i.e. the target time, thetarget, and the guidance criteria. The guidance is calculated on thebasis of specific permitted deviations to the ‘time to target’, relativeto the remaining exercise time. In the guidance, the same time ‘time totarget’ is used as that displayed to the user, i.e. it can also have alimited increase (compare Example 4 on Page 20). This will permitunified feedback.

Minute-level precision is not required in reaching the exercise timetarget, but only sensible limits, which are not yet of greatsignificance in terms of the effect of the exercise. I.e. the permitlimits are ±6 min. for a 30-min. exercise target, ±8 min. for 45-min.exercise, ±10 min. for 60 min., ±15 min. for 120 min., and ±20 for 180min. Generally, the tolerance is at most 10 minutes+15% of the nominalvalue of the duration.

Both the ‘time to target’ and the position of the guidance arrow arecalculated using limited ‘time to target’ information, i.e. thelimitation also appears in the operation of the guidance arrow.

In one embodiment of the invention, some degree of intensity variationis permitted, but despite this the exercise is guided to a time target.The intensity range, which is still in the ‘intensity ok’ range (FIGS. 2and 3) is 30% VO2max down from the intensity calculated from the T_(ok−)limit (FIGS. 2 and 3), i.e. 30%-units down from the greatest permitted %VO2mas value, at which ‘keep this pace’ is still displayed. I.e. if thisgreatest intensity is, for instance, (at TE target 3.0 and exercise time30 min.) 70% VO2max, then when moving in the area 40-70% VO2max thefeedback will be ‘pace ok’. However, if at the same time the EPOC alsodrops faster than the selected criterion, the feedback will then be ‘gofaster’. Thus a slow drop will also be permitted in EPOC duringexercise, without the user being commanded to increase the intensity. Inaddition, in EPOC, however, a small drop (1 ml/kg) will be permitted,compared to the highest value of the exercise up to that point, beforethe feedback ‘go faster’ is returned, which will smoothen the feedbackto be more comfortable. However, if the EPOC has dropped more than thepre-selected criterion—for example, 1 ml/kg—compared to the higher valueof the exercise up to that point, the user will be commanded to increasethe intensity. This feedback will be given, even if the user was withinthe permitted 30%-unit-wide intensity range. The intensity range can, ofcourse, be any other corresponding predefined intensity range.

One embodiment is to use the aforementioned control logic combined withvoice guidance. In addition, all the other real-time information on theprogress of the workout can be converted to voice information, forexample, when the user selects specific feedback and its form.

TABLE 1 Correspondences between visible and audible feedback Feedbackgroup (Difference to Content of text desired time-to- and audibleDirection of arrow Colour target value feedback (visual feedback) ofarrow 1- ‘Faster’- Faster 45° upward Yellow imperative feedback Faster39° upward Yellow (very large Faster 33° upward Yellow difference) 2.‘Faster’ - neutral Faster 27° upward Yellow feedback (large Faster 22°upward Yellow difference) Faster 16° upward Yellow 3. ‘Pace OK’ - Paceok 11° upward Green encouragement or Pace ok  5° upward Green neutralfeedback (no Pace ok  0° Green difference or small Pace ok  5° downwardGreen difference) Pace ok 11° downward Green 4. ‘Slower’ - neutralSlower 16° downward Red feedback (large Slower 22° downward Reddifference Slower 27° downward Red 5. ‘Slower’- Slower 33° downward Redimperative feedback Slower 39° downward Red (very large Slower 45°downward Red difference)

In one embodiment of the invention, the guidance linked to the controllogic can be given based on numerical or graphical information on theprogress of the workout, given on the display (for example, based on theEPOC accumulation, or on the ‘time to target’ numerical information onthe display). Table 1 shows the correspondences of the visual andauditive feedback of the guidance. The greater the difference betweenthe ‘time to target’ value at the time and the present target range(expert-time limits ‘keep this pace’ range, FIGS. 2 and 3), the morecommanding is the auditive feedback and the stronger is the visualfeedback, which in this embodiment is depicted by the steepness of theguidance arrow and the changing colour of the arrow.

In order to achieve a pleasant result from the user's point of view, thevoice feedback should be modified. By default, voice feedback of thecorresponding feedback group according to Table 1 is given, if theexercise has remained on a level corresponding to the feedback group for15 seconds. After that, if it remains on the same level, voice feedbackwill continue to be given at 2-minute intervals. I.e. if a change toanother group and back takes place in less than 15 seconds, no voicefeedback will be given. In addition, the voice feedback can be modifiedin such a way that, if the user should move faster or slower, but stillremains at this level for example for 4 minutes, voice feedback will begiven more frequently, or a more serious feedback command to changeintensity will be returned, in order to make the user reach the target.In addition, if the intensity remains at a suitable level for a longerperiod, voice feedback can be given less frequently, or even omittedentirely, thus notifying the user that the intensity is suitable, if nofeedback is received. Naturally, different default alternatives for thefrequency of the voice feedback can be set for selection from the userinterface, for example ‘frequent’ (time limits shorter), ‘normal’, or‘seldom’ (time limits longer).

In one embodiment of the invention, the time prediction for reaching thetarget can be limited, in order to improve the usability andunderstandability of the predictions. By default, neither the ‘time totarget’ nor the ‘time to next level’ time predictions are accepted toincrease by more than 10 minutes a time at 5-second intervals. The valuecan be adjusted from the user interface, for example, to values of 0, 1,3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes. At the value zero, the time predictionis not limited. A stepped increase in the time prediction by the amountof the set maximum value is also performed if the time prediction inquestion begins to show ‘out of reach’ (displayed to the user, if the‘time to target’ or ‘time to next level’ is more than 180 minutes). Inother words, the time prediction is calculated internally to 190, 200,etc., but this not displayed to the user. In the embodiment in question,the decrease in the time prediction would not be limited.

Example 4: ‘time to target’ shows 10 min. The user is skiing anddescending a hill, during which time the intensity decreases, theprediction showing 30 minutes after a 5-second descent and ‘out ofreach’ after a 45-second descent. In this case, starting from the top ofthe rise, the prediction is increased as follows at 5-second intervals:10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 minutes. If the user startsskiing again after the descent, and the intensity increases, theprediction is not limited and indeed soon shows again 10 minutes totarget. If the increase in the time prediction were not to be limited,the target would usually escape to the ‘out of reach’ state,irrespective of the length of the descent (duration of recovery).

In one embodiment of the invention, the user sets either specifictraining effect, or an EPOC value and target time as the target. Thespecific training-effect level always corresponds to a specific EPOCvalue. If the user has selected a specific training-effect target, it isconverted in the system to a corresponding EPOC target, which can, ifdesired, show in addition the selected training-effect target to theuser. In this case, the guidance contains the following stages:

-   -   1. The user sets the target EPOC value, or the target training        effect, at which the workout is aimed, as well as the target        time for reaching the target state.    -   2. The user starts the workout. During the workout, the time        elapsed and the intensity (% VO2max or the EPOC's accumulation        rate ml/kg/min), with the aid of which the time that will elapse        to reach the EPOC/training effect set as the target is        determined.    -   3. Depending on the achievement of the EPOC/training-effect        target during the progress of the workout, the greatest        intensity, at which the EPOC/training-effect target will still        be reached within the accepted limit before the set target time,        is adjusted during the workout. The accepted intensity range is,        for example, 30%-units down from this dynamically adjusted        greatest intensity (e.g., % VO2max). If the EPOC/training-effect        target is reached too quickly, or slowly at the beginning of the        exercise, the required intensity range for the remainder of the        workout correspondingly decreases or increases.    -   4. The time estimated as elapsing before the        EPOC/training-effect target is compared to the predefined        limits, which determine how long a time may elapse before        reaching the target at a given moment in the workout. The limits        are defined taking into account principles relating to both        physiology and user friendliness. For example, the real duration        of the workout can be either slightly shorter or longer than the        target time, without the system immediately beginning to guide        the workout differently. The progress of the workout can also be        relatively free, as long as it proceeds towards the predefined        target. It is thus determined when the intensity is suitable,        too low, or too high.        -   a. If the target will be reached too late and the intensity            is too low, the intensity must be increased.        -   b. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached too            late and the EPOC will decrease too rapidly, the intensity            must be increased.        -   c. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached too            late and one has already drawn away too far from the EPOC            value already achieved, the intensity must be increased.        -   d. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached too            late and the intensity deviates from the accepted intensity            range, the intensity must be increased.        -   e. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached within            the accepted time limits, the intensity is suitable.        -   f. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached too            late, but the intensity is within the accepted intensity            range, and one is not drawing away too rapidly or far from            the EPOC value already reached, the intensity is suitable.        -   g. If the EPOC/training-effect target will be reached too            early, the intensity must be reduced.    -   5. The user is given feedback at a given moment as to whether to        keep the intensity the same, reduce the intensity, or increase        the intensity. The feedback can be, for example, either visible        or audible, or it can be implemented by other means, for        example, using various vibration alarms.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target is a given cumulativeenergy consumption, weight reduction, fat consumption, carbohydrateconsumption, or some other variable that can be calculated. The user isguided to the target state within a predefined target time. The guidanceconsists of the following stages:

-   -   1. The user sets the physiological target energy consumption,        target weight reduction, target fat consumption, target        carbohydrate consumption, or some other corresponding variable        that can be calculated, at which the workout is aimed, as well        as the target time for reaching the set target.    -   2. The user starts the workout. During the workout, the time        elapsed is measured, as well as the criterion variables        affecting the achievement of the target (consumed energy and        present energy consumption/time unit, reduced weight and rate of        weight reduction/time unit, consumed fat and amount of fat        consumed/time unit, consumed carbohydrates and consumption of        carbohydrates/time unit), with the aid of which it is possible        to determine the time that will elapse for reaching the set        target at the present rate of consumption of energy, fat, or        carbohydrates, or the rate of weight reduction.    -   3. Depending on the rate of consumption or weight reduction        during the workout, the target consumption range, by which the        target state will be reached within an accepted time deviation        relative to the target time, is predicted and dynamically        adjusted during the workout. If the target state will be reached        too quickly or slowly at the start of the workout, the        consumption requirement or weight-reduction requirement for the        remainder of the workout will be correspondingly decreased or        increased. The target range of the rate of consumption of        energy, fat, or carbohydrates, or the rate of weight reduction        is defined to be such as will permit comfortable feedback.    -   4. The estimated time for reaching the target is compared with        the predefined limits, which determined how long it can take to        reach the target, at a given moment during the workout. The        limits are defined taking into account the principles of both        physiology and user-friendliness. For example, the real duration        of the workout can be either slightly shorter or longer than the        target time, without the system beginning immediately to guide        the application differently. The progress of the workout can        also be relatively free, as long as it proceeds towards the        predefined target. Thus, it is determined when the intensity is        suitable, too low, or too high.        -   a. If the target state will be reached too late and the            intensity deviates from the accepted rate of consumption of            energy, fat, or carbohydrates, or rate of reduction of            weight, the intensity must be increased.        -   b. If the target state will be reached too late, but the            rate of consumption of energy, fat, or carbohydrates, or the            rate of weight reduction is within the accepted intensity            range, the intensity is suitable.        -   c. If the target state will be reached within the accepted            time limits, the intensity is suitable.        -   d. If the target will be reached too early, the intensity            must be reduced.    -   5. The user is given feedback at a given moment as to whether        the rate of consumption of energy, fat, or carbohydrates, or the        rate of reduction of weight should be kept the same, or        decreased, or decreased. The feedback can be, for example,        either visual or auditive, or it can be implemented by other        means, for example, using various vibration alarms.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target can be to perform aspecific distance within a target time. The guidance to the target thenconsists of the following stages:

-   -   1. The user sets the physiological target distance, which is        aimed at in the workout, as well as the target time for        achieving the set target distance.    -   2. The user starts the workout. During the workout, the time        elapsed is measured, as are the criterion variables (speed of        exercise) affecting the achievement of the target distance, with        the aid of which the time, which will elapse at the present        speed to reach the set target distance, is determined.    -   3. Depending on the accumulation of distance during the workout,        the speed range, by which the target distance will be achieved        within the accepted time deviation relative to the target time,        is predicted and dynamically adjusted during the workout. If the        distance is being covered too quickly or slowly at the start of        the workout, the speed requirement for the remainder of the        workout is correspondingly decreased or increased. The accepted        speed range is determined based on the dynamically changing        highest speed, and is, for example, in cycling 5 km/h lower        value than highest speed and in running 2 km/h lower value than        highest speed.    -   4. The estimated time taken to achieve the distance target is        compared to the predefined limits, which determine how much time        can elapse to achieve the target at a given moment during the        workout. The limits are defined taking into account the        principles relating to both physiology and user-friendliness,        for example, in such a way that a running speed that is too high        and impossible for the user can not be left to the remaining        part of the workout. Impossible situations are excluded on the        basis of the fitness level of the user, of which an example is        shown in FIG. 16 a, a detailed description of which figure is        given later. The real duration of the workout can also be        slightly shorter or longer than the target time, without the        system being immediately to guide the workout differently. The        progress of the workout can also be relatively free, as long as        it proceeds towards the predefined distance target. Thus it is        determined when the speed is suitable, too low, or too high.        -   a. If the target distance will be achieved too late, and the            speed deviates from the accepted speed range, the speed must            be increased.        -   b. If the target distance will be achieved too late, but the            speed is within the accepted speed range, the speed is            suitable.        -   c. If the target distance will be achieved within the            accepted time limits, the speed is suitable.        -   d. If the target distance will be achieved too early, the            speed must be reduced.    -   5. At a given moment, the user is given feedback as to whether        to keep the speed the same, decrease the speed, or increase the        speed. The feedback can be, for example, either visual or        auditive.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target of the workout can bealtered after the workout is already under way. The target of theworkout could be altered, for example, relative to energy consumption,from 500 kcal to 600 kcal, or the training effect from 3.0 to 3.5, inthe middle of the workout. In the same way, the target time, targetdistance/target route could be altered.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target state is a specificamount of physiological recovery or relaxation, which must be achievedwithin a specific time, for example, from the end of the present workdayto the start of the following workday. With the aid of this, it ispossible to guide a person to actively recover, or to make choices thatwill help them to recover.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target state is a specificamount of stress, which must be reached within a specific time, forexample, during a workday.

One or more variables, measured either directly or on the basis of heartrate (speed), or physiological variables (heart rate, oxygenconsumption, respiration rate, ventilation) can be used to measureintensity. The change in EPOC can be calculated as the differencebetween present and previous EPOC. Ml/kg/min can be used as the unit andthe result converted to it. The change in energy consumption (kcal/min)and the change in distance (km/min) can also be calculated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user sets a physiological targetstate and a target time. The speed and altitude of the user are measured(angle of ascent/descent) with the aid of GPS positioning and possiblyair-pressure measurement, or by combining acceleration measurement andair-pressure measurement. The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of the useris known. It is either given by the user, calculated on the basis of thephysiological background data given by the user, or a default value isused. The intensity is calculated on the basis of the speed and altitudeinformation, as well as of the user's maximum oxygen-intake ability. Inthe embodiment in question, the estimate of the ‘time to physiologicaltarget’ is compared with the target time, and current intensity iscompared with the accepted intensity range, and the user is givenintensity guidance, as described in the previous examples.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user can select preset types ofexercise (see Table 2), in which the intensity of the user is guided andwhich types are generally known by name and effect. The exercise can be,for example, fat-burning exercise, basic endurance exercise, fastdistance exercise maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) exercise, recoveryexercise, weight-management exercise, or some other similar exercise, inwhich the user is guided during exercise as described previously in thisdocument. In the user-interface, the user is only presented with thename of the exercise (defined in Table 2, the name also includes theduration of the workouts, given in brackets), by selecting which thesystem moves to real time display and the workout is started. Ifdesired, the user then sees what the real physiological target state isand the duration of the workout.

TABLE 2 Example exercise stated relative to training effect (=physiological target state) and target time. Warm up Exercise portionDuration (training-effect (training-effect of cool target (1.0-5.0)/target (1.0-5.0)/ down Name of exercise target time) target time) (min.)Fitness workout, 1.5/5 min. 3.5/30 min. 5 hard (40 min.) Fitnessworkout, — 2.5/30 min. — medium (30 min.) Fitness workout, — 2.0/30 min.— easy (30 min.) Burn calories (60 min.) 1.5/5 min. 3.8/50 min. 5 Burnfat (90 min.) — 2.5/90 min. — Recovery workout — 1.5/30 min. — (30 min.)Basic endurance — 2.0/60 min. — short (60 min.) Basic endurance — 2.0/90min. — long (90 min.) *Fast distance 1.5/5 min. 3.2/45 min. 5 training(55 min.) *VO2max workout 1.5/10 min.  4.0/25 min. 10  (45 min.)

As an exception to the exercise intensity guidance described above,warming up forms part of the total exercise time, but does not shortenthe actual target time of the exercise (shown in the table). The actualtarget can be different in warming up, the workout itself, and coolingdown. At the start of the workout, the user is notified by both text andvoice feedback that ‘warm-up period in progress’. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the text appears on the display for 15 seconds from thestart of the workout.

In one embodiment of the invention, warming up is guided to its targetaccording to the TE and time target shown in the table. If the userreaches the TE value set as the target of the warm up earlier than theset time target, warming up is terminated and the actual workout isstarted. If the user does not reach the TE target within the time targetset for the warm up, they can either continue the warm up to the end, orstart the actual workout if they want to.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user is informed that warm uphas ended, by both text and voice feedback, for example, that ‘warm-upcompleted, workout starting’. The text is shown on the display for 15seconds. The workout continues normally from the level that has beenachieved (EPOC is not reset to zero), instead only a new TE and timetarget are set (shown in the table). In other words, if the length ofthe warm up is 5 minutes, and the duration of the actual workout is 30minutes, according to the running time, the target will be reached at 35minutes. The workout proceeds from this as a normal workout, the TE andtime targets of which are set manually. Once the workout has ended, theuser is notified normally of the achievement of the target, and afterthis is notified by both text and voice feedback, for example, that‘workout completed, start to cool down’. The workout does not end oncethe workout time has elapsed, but instead when the TE target has beenreached. If the workout time is exceeded, the operations are the same asin the case of normal manually set targets.

In one embodiment of the invention, cooling down is guided on the basisof intensity, in such a way that ‘pace ok’ or ‘suitable intensity’ isshown (pace-arrow in the table above, which indicates completely okspeed), once the intensity is 30-50% VO2max.

FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of how a distance and route-based guidancesystem, guiding exercise to a specific physiological target state,functions.

Explanations for the numbers of FIG. 11:

-   -   1. Setting the target of the exercise (EPOC (excess        post-exercise oxygen consumption), training effect, energy        consumption, heart-rate sum, TRIMP (training impulse), work        amount (J), power output of work, mean heart rate, mean        intensity, or some other quantity that essentially depicts the        exercise).    -   2. Setting a specific distance or route as the target. Route        information includes, altitude information for different stages        of the route. The distance/route can be either selected from        previous performances, or selected from, for example, a route        database (Section 3).    -   3. The route database contains, for example, ready-to-use        routes, a complete set of maps (roads, paths, streets, etc.),        and well as the corresponding altitude data.    -   4. The background data of the person can contain, for example,        the person's age, height, weight, sex, activity class, maximum        heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), or some other        variable, which depicts the level of person's performance        ability, or other data that depict the person.    -   5. The distance/route is planned in such a way that a pleasant        experience is created for the user.        -   It is also checked if it is possible to reach the target            with the framework of the distance/route within sensible            limits. If it cannot be reached, the target or            distance/route must be readjusted. For example, on the basis            of the person's background data (fitness level) it is            possible to estimate what speed the person can actually move            in various forms of work, as well as to evaluate what kind            of physiological response (intensity) is created for the            person at a given speed. This can be used to eliminate            situations, in which the person should exercise at too high            or low a speed relative to their own fitness level and, in            addition, limit the length of the exercise to be reasonable.    -   6. On the basis of the route information, altitude data being        available, the achievement of the target is divided        intelligently into uphill, downhill, and flat portions of the        route, in such a way that the exercise is appropriate at every        stage of the route. For example, on downhill segments there is        no need to reach the target as much as on flat ground and so the        intensity can be lower. By the same logic, on uphill segments it        is preferable to reach the target slightly earlier, i.e. the        intensity must be slightly higher than on flat ground. A target        speed, for example, can be calculated for each route segment,        taking the person's physiological capacity (maximum oxygen        uptake), form of exercise, and the route gradient profile into        account (see FIG. 12).    -   7. During the exercise, the user's external work output,        physiological response to the work output in question (e.g.,        heart rate), and physiological state relative to reaching the        target on the set route (Cumulative quantities) are monitored.        If, for example, due to weather or other conditions, or changes        in physical fitness or performance technique, the target is        reached considerably more slowly or quickly relative to the        route, the allocation of time to the target on the route is        readjusted, or if necessary the route is completely readjusted.    -   8. During the workout, the user is given feedback, on the basis        of which the intensity or speed are adjusted in such a way that        the target will be reached when the distance/route ends.    -   9. During the workout, the target or distance/route can be        reset. In this case, the operations of Section 5 are performed        and the workout can continue.    -   10. The distance/route ends and the target is reached within the        framework of the distance/route.    -   When planning the route, a preset work form (e.g., running,        cycling, etc.) can be exploited. For example, when the target is        a specific amount of energy consumption, a downhill portion can        be assumed to be taken at a reasonable speed on a bicycle, but a        corresponding amount of energy will not consumed.

Distance/route applications can be implemented using the following:heart rate monitors or other devices measuring heart rate, personaldigital assistant (PDA) devices, mobile terminals, navigators, and othersimilar devices, which can be carried by the user during exercise. Inaddition, the route database can be located on a PC or be a server-basedinternet service. Positioning data can be collected and monitored usinga GPS device, as can altitude data. In addition, the altitude data canbe measured on the basis of variations in air pressure, either alone, orcombined with GPS altitude data. An application that takes the gradientprofile of a pre-selected route into account comprises one or more ofthe following in connection with the apparatus of FIG. 10: a GPSreceiver or other positioning device (telephone positioning), anatmospheric-pressure sensor, and an acceleration sensor. Program meanswill also be required for recording the route data and for processing iton the basis of the sensor/positioning data received. As such, dynamicroute guidance of this kind is useful and inventive even without theaforementioned expansion of the intensity guidance, though the methodscomplement each other.

In one embodiment (FIG. 11), the distance/route can be generatedautomatically to suit the set target, using a target (Sections 1 and 2of the diagram), a route database (Section 3 of the diagram), andbackground data on the person (Section 4 of the diagram). For example, aspecific distance/route can be selected automatically initially on thebasis of a specific energy-consumption target.

In one embodiment, a physiological target and distance are set, in whichcase during the exercise the duration of the exercise changesdynamically depending on the speed. The exercise is guided, however, insuch a way that the set physiological target will be reached at the endof the workout when the distance has been completed.

In one embodiment, the system initially plans the route beforehand onthe basis of certain assumptions made about the form of work and theuser's background data (Section 5 of the diagram) and, as the routeprogresses, account is taken of the user's physiological state relativeto their progress along the route. Thus, for example, when skiing andthe snow conditions are slower or faster and the physiological stressresponse correspondingly greater or smaller, the existing route can bere-planned, in such a way that the target will be reached. If it is nolonger possible to reach the physiological target, the system canpropose an alternative longer/more demanding route. Alternatively, ashorter/easier route may have to be proposed, if it appears that thephysiological target will be exceeded. For example, it may be necessaryto advise the user to shorten or lengthen the route started, if theconditions are indeed poorer or better than the default values.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user's warming up and coolingdown are taken into account in the allocation/initial planning of theroute, during which time the target need not be reached so strongly.

Practical Example 1

In one embodiment of the invention a specific training-effect target anda specific distance target are set. The application of thedistance/training effect target pair is shown in FIG. 13 and is reviewedin the text below according to the numbered stages shown in the figure:

-   -   1. The user sets the training-effect target and the distance or        route target. In the system depicted, a specific training-effect        target always corresponds to a specific EPOC value, which can        either be displayed to the user, or be only known to the system.    -   2. The user starts the workout, during which the speed is        measured and the intensity estimated. The intensity can be        calculated with the aid of heart rate, speed, or some other        variable, for example, the pedaling power measured from the        pedals of a bicycle.    -   3. When the time, distance traveled, and speed at a specific        moment are known, it is possible to estimate how much time must        still elapse to travel the distance set as the target. If the        profile of the route is known, the fact that in uphills distance        will be covered slower than on the flat, or correspondingly that        in downhills distance will be covered faster than on the flat,        can be taken into account. Thus, on the basis of heart rate or        speed the oxygen or energy consumption or MET values (the ratio        of present oxygen consumption to resting oxygen consumption) are        estimated and the time of the coming specific route is        calculated using present oxygen or energy consumption, or using        the MET reading.    -   4. Once it is known how much time the remaining distance/route        will take, an estimate is made as to whether the present        intensity will accumulate sufficient peak EPOC for the peak        value before the distance target is reached.    -   5. If the distance and training-effect targets are estimated to        be reached sufficiently simultaneously, ‘suitable pace’ feedback        is given.    -   6. If the intensity is too low, ‘increase pace’ feedback is        given. If the intensity is too high, ‘reduce pace’ feedback is        given.    -   In this case, as in all other embodiments of the invention, the        feedback given can be visual or auditive, or it can be        implemented by other means, for example, using various vibration        alarms.

The example shown in FIG. 13 is simplified, for example, in terms of theoperation of the system and does not show all the stages. The dynamicexercise guidance system described above can also be exploited in thetarget setting based on trip described here. The dynamically changing‘time to distance target’ will then replace the fixed target time.

In one embodiment of the invention, there can be simultaneously morethan one two targets, one of which must always be either the distance orthe route. The additional targets can be one or more of the following:time, a given EPOC accumulation, cumulative energy consumption, a givenexternal work, mean intensity, mean heart rate, or similar. Naturallythe system should then eliminate impossible target combinations.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target can be to perforin atarget distance or route in a target time. The speed guidance on theroute is not only based on the calculation of a target speed, butinstead the target route is divided into separate segments, which havedifferent target speeds, depending on how easy/difficult the terrain isor depending on the profile (uphill, downhill) (=stress profile). Inaddition to different target-speed setting for uphill and downhillsegments, the exercise is guided dynamically in such a way that a smallvariation is permitted in the intensity. If for example, the user isbehind the target, the target speed increases, or if the user is aheadof the target the target speed decreases.

Practical Example 2

Initial data: a heart rate measuring device is available, which can alsomeasure the distance traveled/speed in real time during the exercise.The altitude data is not known beforehand, so that it cannot be utilizedin the intelligent planning of the route. The user wishes to make adeveloping workout (training effect 3.5) over their usual loop route,the length of which (8.3 km) the user knows already. Description: theuser sets the training effect target to 3.5 and the distance target to8.3 km. on the device and starts running. From the device/earphones theuser is informed if the present pace is suitable, too fast or too slowrelative to reaching the training-effect target in the target distance.During the first third of the workout, the pace is slightly too fast, sothat the user is given feedback showing that the target would be reachedat 5 km. The device advises the user to decrease the intensity slightly.For the remainder of the workout the user decreases the intensityslightly to conform to the feedback and the training effect target isreached finally in the target distance.

If speed/distance data are available, but altitude data in any form isnot, the user can select from the device's interface whether they aregoing up or downhill. On uphill segments the physiological target isallowed to be reached slightly faster (higher intensity) and on downhillsegments correspondingly slower (lower intensity), relative to thedistance traveled.

Practical Example 3

Initial data: a heart rate measuring device, which can also measure thedistance traveled/speed in real time during the exercise, is available.The route, over which the user wishes to make a developing workout(training-effect 3.5), is known along with its altitude data. The firstquarter (¼) of the route is flat, the second quarter ( 2/4) uphill, thethird quarter (¾) downhill, and the fourth quarter ( 4/4) flat.

The user uploads the route data to the device and sets the trainingeffect target as 3.5. Because the beginning of exercise is relativeflat, the accumulated training effect in this portion of the route isless than in the uphill segment. On the uphill segment a higherintensity is permitted and thus more training effect is accumulated.This pleases the user, as it is pleasant to run quickly in uphill andnot being required to reduce speed to walking pace. On the downhillsegment, the intensity is guided to be pleasantly slightly lower andtraining effect is barely accumulated so there is no need to run fast inthe downhill. This is pleasant for the user, as their legs are subjectto smaller impacts. On the final flat segment the intensity is againguided to be slightly higher than on the downhill segment, so that thetraining effect also reaches the target value of 3.5 at the end of theroute.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user selects not only the targetdistance or target time, but also one or more of the following targets:training effect, EPOC, energy consumption, oxygen consumption, meanheart rate, mean intensity, mean speed, amount of work, mean power ofexternal work, blood lactic acid concentration, target time. In oneembodiment of the invention, the user defines one or more physiologicaltarget states and a time target. After this, the system plans a suitableroute, in which both the physiological target states and the time targetwill be reached within the desired time tolerances. In planning, thesystem takes into account, for example, the altitude profile of theroute or the ease/difficulty of the terrain (generally the stressprofile). If the system selects a route, it utilizes in the routeselection data on the target and target distance and the user's physicalfitness and/or performance ability (e.g., VO2max). The system checks theselections and does not begin route planning if it detects the user'sphysical fitness to be such that the user could not reach the target onany route.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system can make proposals tochange a pre-selected route, if the system detects that the physicalstate at the moment of the end of the exercise will remain less than thetarget, or exceed it. In this case, the system either shortens the routeor selects an easier route.

In one embodiment of the invention, data on the performance ability ofthe user is exploited to define the absolute lower limit of theintensity guidance range. FIGS. 16 a and 16 b show the relevant lowerlimit to the expansion of the intensity guidance range. In this case,the target state is some EPOC value, or a training-effect value. Theuser is thus guided to move at a higher intensity always when thedifference between the present and target EPOC is lower as a function ofthe distance/time than the value defined in the accompanying figures.Naturally, the limits can differ and can include not only a directfitness level (e.g., the user's VO2max), but in addition or instead alsotake into account the person's training history. Correspondingly, thelimits can be defined for any other cumulative physiological targetstate whatever, for instance, for energy consumption. At its simplest,information on the user's performance ability is required when applyingthe invention using only a target distance-target time pair.

The limits shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 b can be exploited already whensetting the exercise targets, i.e. not to permit the user to set an EPOCor training-effect target (or other cumulative physiological target),that the user could not reach during the remaining time or distance.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper limit of the expansion ofthe intensity range is defined in such a way that, during the exerciseand before the target time/distance has been reached, a reasonablepredetermined portion of the physiological target must be left for theuser to be accumulated during the remainder of exercise. For example, atthe start of the exercise, the user is not permitted to get too close tothe target state, so that the remainder of the exercise will not beinappropriately easy. Thus, if during the exercise, the user gets tooclose to the target, relative to the remaining distance or time, theywill be advised to reduce intensity.

Practical Example 4

In the example in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, the target set is to run aroundthe specific route shown in FIG. 14 a, which is 3.2-km. long. The usereither selects the route himself/herself, or the system can propose theroute if the user has defined the target distance. The target can alsobe to reach the training effect 3.0 (improving training effect) byrunning around the route. At the beginning of the route, the intensityis higher than intended and the training effect target is reached fasterthan intended. The system decides to propose to the user that the routecould be shortened (FIG. 15 a) and eased by suitably leaving out thesteep uphill at the end of the route (FIG. 15 b). Thus, the systemproposes to the user a short cut, so that the training-effect targetwill not be exceeded. The user decides to follow the system's proposaland make the short cut and ends the run precisely at the set target(FIG. 15 b). However, the user didn't quite reach the distance target(3.2 km.), the real length being 2.7 km. (FIG. 14 b). However, the userregards reaching the training-effect target as being more important andthe shortening of the route as being of no significance.

In the exercise of the previous example, in addition to distance targeta training-effect/EPOC target was also set. The target could also be,for example, a specific fat consumption, energy consumption, bloodlactate (lactic acid) concentration at the end of the exercise, or anycorresponding cumulative quantity. Of these, EPOC and lactose are, inaddition, variables that can also decrease during exercise.

In one embodiment of the invention, all the targets that can be set canbe expanded. The expanded targets permit more user-friendly feedbackwithout the system continually interfering with the progress of theexercise. The expansion of the targets takes place within the limits,for example, that the physiological requirements or effects of theexercise will not deviate significantly from its set targets.

Practical Example 5

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b show the progress of exercise when the target set isto travel a target distance in a target time. The route and user'sperformance ability are known beforehand, so that the system determinesthe user's optimum speed variation ranges (FIG. 15 a). At the start ofthe exercise, the user moves for some time slightly too quickly, i.e.approaches the distance target slightly too fast (FIG. 15 b), so thatthe predefined target speed variation range is modified slightlydownwards (FIG. 15 a). Later in the exercise, the user moves for sometime slightly too slowly relative to the predefined speed range, so thatthe speed variation range is dynamically slightly raised. At the end ofthe exercise, once the target time has elapsed, the user reached the settarget distance within the accepted deviation range, which can be, forexample, 100 meters. Naturally, a deviation range can be defined fortime too, though this is not shown in this example. In the example inquestion, the intensity guidance system expansions can be included bothin a ‘time to target’ variable as well as in the actual intensityguidance range. The guidance range of intensity guidance range (FIG. 15a) as well as the distance traveled guidance range (FIG. 15 b) are infact expanded. Both lower and upper limits can be defined for theexpansions, as stated previously in the present application, in such away that the exercise can always be performed to the end within thelimits of the user's performance ability, and the exercise must alwaysbe sensible. Thus, even though the user does not set other targets thantime and distance targets, the system can always be permitted to monitorinternally that also during the final part of the exercise the EPOC orsome other corresponding physiological quantity will still accumulate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user can select the form ofexercise before or while performing the exercise. The forms of exercisethat can be selected include the following: running, cycling, skiing,swimming, rowing, kick-sledging, or some other corresponding forms ofexercise.

In one embodiment of the invention, there can be several targets, whichmay require several variation ranges. For example, speed and oxygenconsumption (percentage of maximum oxygen consumption VO2max) cansimultaneously have their own variation ranges. The different variationranges can overlap. For example, specific permitted speed-variationranges can be pre-calculated and are then overlapped with the intensityranges, so that all criterions are in force simultaneously. Each of theranges are updated as the exercise progresses. Route data (angles ofslope) are exploited when defining the speed-variation range.

In one embodiment of the invention, simple guidance logic can be used toimprove guidance when moving downhill. On downhill segments theintensity can be calculated more loosely, because it is not wished tocreate a situation, in which the speed increases unbearably orunrealistically due to the intensity requirements. It must be acceptedthat decrease in intensity and increase in speed can occursimultaneously (when on a downhill segment).

In one embodiment of the invention, the EPOC is allowed to decrease indownhill to increase user-friendliness.

In one embodiment of the invention, each part or segment of the routecan have its own stress coefficient, by means of which uphill segments,downhill segments, the softness of the ground surface on which theexercise is performed, or other factors relating to the stress effect ofthe route can be depicted and taken in to account in the dynamicguidance of exercise. In this case, the stress coefficients of thevarious segments of the route form a stress profile of the route.

Practical Example 6

In one embodiment of the invention, the user sets beforehand as thetarget achieving a specific EPOC value (which can also be derived fromthe training effect target) while performing a specific route profile byrunning/walking. Only the user's position and altitude data aremeasured, with the aid of a GPS positioning device. The user's maximumoxygen uptake (VO2max) is known. It is either provided by the user,calculated on the basis of the physiological background data provided bythe user, or some default value is used.

When the performance is in progress, the user's intensity is observedbased on speed and the angle of slope of the route for a specificsampling interval, the EPOC accumulated on the interval in question iscalculated, and then added to the already accumulated EPOC. After this,the time that will elapse during the remainder of the route (knownprofile), if the present intensity is maintained, is calculated. Oncethe present intensity and the remaining time are known, a prediction ofthe EPOC accumulating during the remainder of the route can becalculated and, if the already accumulated EPOC is added to this, aprediction of the EPOC accumulated at the end of the route can becalculated.

The varying ‘time to target’ value, derived from the intensity, speed,and route data is used to return the calculation to a condition wherethere are only target EPOC and target time. All the rest of the rules,which are depicted as relating to the dynamic guidance, are then inforce, guiding the user to the distance and EPOC targets (FIGS. 1, 2, 3,5, and 6). However, the possibility to exceed the target time shouldthen be limited, because it signifies directly exceeding the targetdistance. Reaching the EPOC target before the distance target can,however, be permitted, in order to produce a broader intensity width.The user is not shown the estimated time for reaching the target (timeto target), but this parameter is determined only to simplifycalculations.

In one embodiment of the invention, the user sets a physiological targetstate and a target distance. The user's speed and altitude (angle ofascent/descent) are measured with the aid of GPS positioning andpossibly barometric measurement or by combining acceleration measurementwith barometric measurement. The user's background data, etc. are knownas in the previous example, but neither the remainder of the route, northe route as a whole are known. In this case, the remainder of the routeis assumed to be on average flat, even though this slightly reducesaccuracy. This gives the estimated time for the remainder of theexercise (time to target), as in the previous example, and the user isguided on the basis of this towards the target. Though the gradientprofile may not be known in its entirety, in one embodiment of theinvention it is possible to utilize information on only the differencein altitude between the starting and finishing points of the exercise.These data can be used to make the intensity guidance more accurate whenperforming the set distance. In one embodiment, the altitude profile isrecorded when travelling over the route for the first time. Thisrequires that the apparatus has, in addition, some kind ofaltitude-difference meter, positioning means, and a correspondingprogram.

1. System for guiding a person, with the aid of feedback, to aphysiological cumulative state during a physical exercise that isproportional to a change in general homeostatic state achieved byexercising, the physical exercise having a duration, an intensity thatmay vary over the duration of the physical exercise and that at anygiven moment during the physical exercise has a value defined as amomentary intensity, a physiological target that is a physiologicalstate of the person at the end of the physical exercise, and aperformance parameter that is one selected from a group consisting ofdistance, duration of the exercise, speed, power output of work, EPOCchange, accumulated EPOC, energy consumption, energy consumed, oxygenconsumption, total oxygen consumption, heart-rate level, TRIMP alreadyaccumulated, number of steps, work output as a function of speed andinclination of surface, and change in blood lactic acid concentration,the system comprising: a sensor for measuring at least one quantity thatis proportional to the momentary intensity and selected from a groupconsisting of heart rate, speed, pedaling power measured from pedals ofa bicycle, % VO₂max and rate of EPOC accumulation; means for recordingvalues of the physiological target and the performance parameter; meansfor giving feedback to the person to keep the exercise intensity withina dynamic intensity guidance range; program means for, at regularintervals during the physical exercise: recording the measured quantityand a performed physical intensity profile; calculating a presentphysiological state of the person and an estimate of the physiologicalstate at the end of the physical exercise using said measured quantityand the performed intensity profile; and defining the intensity guidancerange for the momentary intensity so that the physiological target andthe performance parameter can be reached within the duration of thephysical exercise, the intensity guidance range being defined bycalculating a minimum intensity and a maximum intensity required toreach the physiological target and, if the difference between theminimum intensity and the maximum intensity is less than a valueaccording to a preset criteria, the intensity guidance range is expandedby lowering the minimum intensity to a lower value that is equal to themaximum intensity minus the value, whereby the intensity guidance rangeis expanded during the beginning of the duration of the exercise; analtimeter; and means for recording and processing route data when analtitude profile is included in the route data, and the program meansbeing arranged to take into account the said altitude profile.
 2. Systemaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the system includes meansfor positioning the person and recording and processing route data, andprogram means for selecting a route to reach the physiological target.3. System for guiding a person, with the aid of feedback, to aphysiological cumulative state during a physical exercise and beingproportional to a change in general homeostatic state achieved byexercising, the physical exercise having a duration, an intensity thatmay vary over the duration of the physical exercise and that at anygiven moment during the physical exercise has a value defined as amomentary intensity, a physiological target that is a physiologicalstate of the person at the end of the physical exercise, and aperformance parameter that is one selected from a group consisting ofdistance, duration of the exercise, speed, power output of work, EPOCchange, accumulated EPOC, energy consumption, energy consumed, oxygenconsumption, total oxygen consumption, heart-rate level, TRIMP alreadyaccumulated, number of steps, work output as a function of speed andinclination of surface, and change in blood lactic acid concentration,the system comprising: a sensor for measuring at least one quantity thatis proportional to the momentary intensity and selected from a groupconsisting of heart rate, speed, pedaling power measured from pedals ofa bicycle, % VO₂max and rate of EPOC accumulation means for recordingvalues of the physiological target and the performance parameter; meansfor giving feedback to the person to keep the exercise intensity withina dynamic intensity guidance range; and program means for, at regularintervals during the physical exercise: recording the measured quantityand a performed physical intensity profile; calculating a presentphysiological state of the person and an estimate of the physiologicalstate at the end of the physical exercise using said measured quantityand the performed intensity profile; and defining the intensity guidancerange for the momentary intensity so that the physiological target andthe performance parameter can be reached within the duration of thephysical exercise, the intensity guidance range being defined bycalculating a minimum intensity and a maximum intensity required toreach the physiological target and, if the difference between theminimum intensity and the maximum intensity is less than a valueaccording to a preset criteria, the intensity guidance range is expandedby lowering the minimum intensity to a lower value that is equal to themaximum intensity minus the value, whereby the intensity guidance rangeis expanded during the beginning of the duration of the exercise;characterized in that the value according to the preset criteria is 30%of maximum intensity.